Find a penny, pick it up ...

Students from Richard Smith’s third-grade class at Mill Park Elementary in the David Douglas School District presented Oregon Red Cross representatives with a check for $364 Friday morning at a school-wide assembly. The students, who are members of one of the city’s most economically disadvantaged schools, raised the money penny-by-penny from classmates in kindergarten through fifth grade. Smith’s goal with the penny-collection project was to teach a lesson in empathy. With the money raised on the heels of Superstorm Sandy, it’s also been a great lesson in philanthropy. Thanks, kids!

Third graders Xavian (left) and Izzy, proudly pose with their teacher, Mr. Smith, and Cindy Silveira, chief development officer for Oregon Red Cross. Cindy presented the students with a special plaque of thanks to be displayed in Mr. Smith's classroom.